NCA 16 – Mount Meru 4 Days Trekking

Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro’s little sister, standing at 4,566m compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano, which makes a superb four day climb to the top. It last erupted in 1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first Mount Meru ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers.

Arrival: You will meet and greet with one of our office representatives at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport or from the shuttle bus shuttle terminal and he will drive to the Lodge/Hotel where your safari start and stays with bed & breakfast.

Day 1: Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut:You will be picked up from your Lodge/Hotel at 8:00am. After driving from Arusha we start from the Momela Gate (1,500m) in the late morning, the tracks soon passes some open grassland, and have some game viewing. You can see Buffalo, warthog, and Elephants, etc. and then continue as a steady climb through montage forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are a lot of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. It takes about 4 to 6 hours walking. Ascent is 1,014m. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut:The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep sustained climbing all the way. Starting through attractive, open and lush montage forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570m) and lunch. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. For energetic ones, can make the short climb to the nearby summit of LITTLE MERU (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. It takes about 3-5 hours walking. The ascent is 1,056m. Saddle Hut is similar to Miriakamba but water is collected from a stream about 10 minutes away; dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit – Miriakamba An early start at around 0200 hrs to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m) the path continues along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350m) at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Park (4,566m) is an hour more on a superb but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate – Arusha:A fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. Momela Gate is reached by late morning. It takes about 2 to 3 hours walking. Descent 1,014m, then you will meet your driver and we return back to Arusha and dropped at your Lodge/Hotel. End of trekking.

Note:The last night Hotel/Lodge accommodation can be arranged with an additional cost!

Price Includes:All Park entry fees – All Hut Camping fees Rescue fees Pick up from the Airport Transport 4×4 to the gate and back. Overnight at the Hotels/Lodge/Huts according to the program Chef/Meals as per the above itinerary Ranger/Guide & Porters 1 night free Hotel accommodation on your arrival in Arusha with bed & breakfast Beds/Sleeping mats and Sleeping bags.

Price not includes:International flights & Domestic flight Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance Tips for staff such as driver cum guides/chef/porter. Climbing gears but can be arranged for hire